Mr. Willie James Garner, 90 of Charlotte, departed this life on Sunday, August 28, 2022 at his residence.  He was the eldest son of John Henry Garner and Rebecca Jordan, born July 23, 1932, in Charlotte, NC.

He was raised in Charlotte, NC on Brooker Avenue along with eight other siblings.  Willie attended and graduated from West Charlotte High School in 1950.  During his school years, he lettered in football and track.  His ambition was to become a pilot.

After his High School graduation, he enlisted in the US Army to serve his country in the Korean War.  After finishing the Army's Artillery School, he was sent to the frontlines in Korea to command the 7th Field Artillery Battery B Unit.  During his service to his country, he was awarded the following medals for Good Conduct, National Defense Service, Korean Service, and the United Nations Service.  Willie was honorably discharged in 1953 to return to Charlotte, NC for his next adventure.

He decided to continue his education at North Carolina A&T in 1953. (Go Aggies!) He completed his studies in 1956 and returned to Charlotte where he married the love of his life Geraldine Bernice Garner.  From that union, Daryle James Garner and Andrea Bernice Garner were born.  During his work career, he spent over 30 years at the United States Post Office retiring as the Charlotte District Building Maintenance Service Manager Manager for Western and Central territories in North Carolina in 1988.

Willie James Garner had a wonderful life and continued to be vibrant in his retirement years.  He served his family, church, and community in numerous capacities.  He approached each challenge or opportunity in life with a good attitude and faith in God.  Early in his adult life he connected and joined Wilson Heights First of God where he and Geraldine were married.  His work in the church as a faithful member, outstanding teacher, and trustee birthed a passion to serve his community.  In 1978, he moved his church membership to Seigle Avenue First Church of God, where he continued to teach and serve in other capacities such as Trustee board member, Deacon and Elder.  He serviced many civil missions for the Lincoln Heights Community and North Corridor Economic Development Corp, Mecklenburg County Voter Registration, and youth education.  He has been recognized for his service over the years:

Recognized as a faithful member of the Northwest Corridor Development Corp BoD,

Award for his dedicated service for Continued Revitalization of West End by Northwest Corridor Community Development Corp and McCrorey YMCA,

Award for dedicated service as President of the Lincoln Heights Association,

Completion of the 10th Annual Intelligent Leadership Conference,

Government Service Award for 30 years at the USPS,

Numerous recognitions for leadership, service and teaching from Seigle Avenue First Church of God (COG), Wilson Heights First COG and the NC Campground Association/NC General Assembly of COG,

Willie Garner's parents, John Henry and Rebecca Jordan Garner, siblings, Elise Mae Lucky, Doris Jean Bell, Evelyn Brown, Mona Brandt, George Garner, John (Lil John) Garner, Mary Francis (died at birth) all preceded him in death.

Left to cherish his memories are his siblings, Elizabeth Ann Garner, Robert Lee Garner, Sr. (Mary), children, Andrea Bernice Garner (of the home), Reverend Dr. Daryle James Garner (First Lady Gloria), grandchildren Darylen Sharrisee, and Joel James, along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

We are grateful for the many prayers, expressions of love and acts of kindness that have been shown towards us.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Seigle Avenue First Church of God Scholarship Fund (1620 Seigle Ave., Charlotte, NC, 28205) or McCrorey YMCA.